Work statement:

The circle with an inscribed centre denotes the chemical element of gold and the astronomical symbol of the Sun as well. I am abiding the analogy of the symbol of gold, i.e. of the Sun. The circle is the image of a cycle. The dot and the circle find their communion in the virtue of symbolic perfection. Gold is the perfect metal. It shines a light, which is a characteristic of the Sun, and it is also known as the Sun-metal. The Sun reveals reality, the truth. It is the light of cognition, the source of energy. Gold is reminiscent of the Sun and its entire symbolism. The process of drawing a circle into the square is initiated by a symbol. I draw the circle by applying a pair of compasses. Operations such as halving and dividing, and similarly derive from the circular base. I impress floral and cruciform figures, which are the shapes referring to the Sun. Gilt denotes the initial symbol, which is gold. The basement halls attain the meaning of a heartland becoming another sky in the micro, i.e. macro context, on March 21, 2008, at the time of the Spring Equinox. The Sun starts its journey up to the north bringing along the light, the warmth and the time of growth.


Gold has had a specific role throughout the history of culture and art. By its characteristics, it is an exceptionally interesting material and one of the rarest in the Earth's crust. Hence, it is one of the most highly prized. It is easy to work with since it is resistant to a number of external influences and it is permanent. Due to all these features, it has always been used for extremely valuable objects of special interest. In ancient Egypt, the mask of the pharaoh's body was in gold. The statues from the Greek and Roman times had decorations in gold and with the coming of Christianity people used it in the creation of the most sacred objects. Today, the role of gold has somewhat altered although it still reminds of various special merits. For instance, awards for exceptional achievements in sports are in gold. This metal stands for prosperity and durability in order to emphasize a certain status, e.g. gold credit cards.

Gloria Oreb chooses gold for her work primarily because of its symbolic nature. She uses the analogy of the Sun and the symbols of gold. The Sun, as the source of life, has always been tied with gold as material for it shares the same symbol with. It is a circle with an inscribed centre and it is precisely the symbol/sign that marks the starting point of Gloria Oreb's work. She elaborates the motif with geometry. Out of the circular basis by drawing various forms in it she derives all other configurations using the operations such as dividing, halving, which, basically, always refer to the initial circle. She ''inscribes'' the motifs onto the black coloured canvases placing them in the space by forming groups. Particularly interesting is the choice of materials. She uses the leaves of pure gold instead of paint. By employing this method through the material itself she emphasizes its symbolism. It is no longer just a drawn sign. Through the reflection, it gains an additional dimension. The figures seem to emanate their own light for they become little sources of energy. Such objects combine the entire symbolism of both shape and material within themselves recalling to some ancient ritual objects and scenes.

Gloria Oreb expands the symbolism on the venue and time choice of the exhibition opening placing her works in the basement halls of Diocletian’s Palace, which itself incites reading of the architecture linked to the Sun symbolism. Dimensions and character of the ancient space additionally emphasize the ethereal quality of Gloria's works. The symbolic circle is going to close just on the Spring Equinox, which is the date of the exhibition opening.

Jasminka Babić

Diocletian Palace cellarage, Split

Gallery St. Thomas, Rovinj